Matthew Hinton

bring over 5+ years of experience coaching and developing athletes ages 10–25, ranging from youth players to collegiate and competitive adult athletes. As an independent basketball skills trainer, I specialize in basketball IQ, advanced ball handling, efficient shooting mechanics, defensive development, athletic performance, and overall strength training.

I have worked alongside coaches at Team Esface (AAU), gaining valuable experience in structured team development and competitive tournament preparation. I have also trained and collaborated with Coach Kopa at Gunn High School, sharpening my understanding of high school-level systems, player development, and competitive preparation.

In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to be personally trained and mentored by former NBA professionals, including Raymond Townsend, who worked with me extensively on shooting development, and Gary Plummer, who trained me in elite-level conditioning and performance preparation.

As a certified personal trainer, I integrate strength training, explosiveness, mobility, and injury prevention directly into my basketball sessions. This allows me to develop complete athletes — improving not just skill, but physical dominance, durability, and confidence.

From hosting structured group sessions at the YMCA to organizing competitive private runs at San Jose State, my training emphasizes game-speed reps, disciplined footwork, decision-making under pressure, and building players who can perform consistently in real competition.

My mission is simple: develop intelligent, skilled, and physically prepared athletes who can control the game on both ends of the floor.

Basketball Background & Competitive Experience

I competed in AAU basketball for two years during high school and went on to play at Canada College at the collegiate level, where I developed a strong foundation in high-IQ basketball, discipline, and advanced skill work.

I’ve played in the Majestic Hoops league, where I led the league in scoring, and I also competed in the Menlo League, again finishing as the league’s leading scorer. Performing at that level consistently reflects my ability to create offense, read defenses, and produce under pressure.

In addition, I’ve entered multiple Pro-Am runs and competitive tournaments throughout the Bay Area, where I consistently average 25–30 points against high-level competition, including former college and overseas players.

At 6’5”, I specialize in guard and wing development — scoring packages, footwork, shot creation, finishing through contact, defensive positioning, and in-game decision making. I also emphasize explosiveness and vertical jump training to help athletes improve their athleticism and overall performance.

My training philosophy focuses on building complete players — skill, confidence, conditioning, and competitive mindset.

1. Dynamic Warm-Up & Ball Control Activation (10–15 minutes)

• Dynamic mobility & hip activation
• Stationary pound series (both hands)
• Two-ball rhythm drills
• Change-of-pace & change-of-direction control
• Tight-space handling & reaction drills

Purpose: Improve control, confidence, and comfort under pressure.

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2. Advanced Ball Handling Development (20 minutes)

• Combo move breakdown (hesi, in & out, cross/behind combos)
• Live defender reads
• Pressure escape drills
• Pick-up point change drills
• Weak-hand emphasis series
• Full-court speed control

Focus: Create separation and maintain control at game speed.

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3. Shooting Development (25 minutes)

• Form shooting & mechanics correction
• Footwork into shots (1-2 step, hop, drift, step-backs)
• Off-the-dribble pull-ups
• Catch-and-shoot off movement
• Game-speed shooting off screens
• Situational shooting (down 3, late clock, transition pull-up)

We track makes and focus on efficiency and consistency.

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4. Footwork & Defensive Development (15–20 minutes)

• Closeout technique
• Lateral slide resistance work
• Reaction-based defensive slides
• Containment drills (no middle emphasis)
• Mirror drills
• Defensive recovery & chase-down positioning

Focus: Discipline, positioning, and on-ball confidence.

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5. Competitive Game Application (10–15 minutes)

• 1-on-1 reads
• Advantage/disadvantage scenarios
• Shot clock situations
• Live scoring constraints

Every session ends with competition to build mentality and toughness.